Mario was born in McAllen, Texas, and has lived in the Rio Grande Valley his whole life. At IDEA San Juan College Prep, he was the president of the Student Council, editor-in-chief of the Yearbook, and a member of the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, and the National Hispanic Honor Society.

Mario is planning on double-majoring in American history and biochemistry and then moving on to medical school. He hopes to one day become a surgeon and help save lives.

“The teachers I’ve had over the years have been a huge influence in my academic interests and have helped me discover new ideas and perspectives I never could have seen on my own. My family has been the moral support over the years, and my friends have inspired me so much and always been my main source of motivation and self-improvement. It is really thanks to them that I am able to take this next step in my journey.”